Italy boss Cesare Prandelli doesn’t rule out move abroad in future

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has left the door open to a possible move abroad as speculation continues to suggest he may step down after the World Cup.

The Azzurri have secured their place in Brazil next summer, and will begin their experimental friendlies this week following meetings with Germany and Nigeria.

While Prandelli was generally speaking about the players he will likely select for the upcoming games, he was also quizzed on his future.

“A future abroad? We’ll see what happens,” he told reporters, according to Football Italia.

“As Italy coach, there is not just pressure, but an obsession from the fans.”

The former Fiorentina coach’s contract is set to expire following the conclusion of the tournament in South America, and there have been no suggestions as of yet that he will sign an extension.

Prandelli has been widely praised for the role he has played in re-establishing Italy as a force on the international scene, having taken over from Marcello Lippi following the debacle in South Africa in 2010.

He returns to London on Monday to face Nigeria at Craven Cottage, just over three years on since taking charge of his first game at the helm of the Azzurri against the Ivory Coast at Upton Park.

Having led Italy to the Euro 2012 final and then an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the World Cup, the Italian tactician will now be hoping to use the experience gained from the Confederations Cup this past summer to end his tenure in style.

However, rumours will continue to circulate over his long-term future, with speculation linking him with various posts both in Serie A and abroad.